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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Tucson, AZ

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.9% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
23.6% 23.6% cheaper housing
4.0% 4.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.6% cheaper
Tampa
110
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% cheaper
Tampa
95
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Tampa
103
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index101919.9% less
Housing1108423.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,00031.0% less
Median Home Price$365,000$270,00026.0% less
Groceries100964.0% less
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare95923.2% less
Utilities103104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Tucson, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax6.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Tucson to maintain your Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Tucson542,629

Moving from Tampa to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa and Tucson → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Tucson →

Compare Other Cities

Tampa vs Austin → Tampa vs Denver → Tampa vs Nashville → Tucson vs Raleigh → Tucson vs Portland → Tucson vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 23.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Tucson?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Tampa to Tucson?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Tampa vs Tucson?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Arizona averages 0.51%.